By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – State Department of Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks says developing Alabama's rabbit industry is one of his top priorities. Sparks says because rabbit meat is low in fat, low in cholesterol and high in protein, it's become a popular gourmet dinner item at places like Carnival Cruise Line ships. Alabama's agricultural leadership is seizing the opportunity. The Tri-State Rabbit Co-Op has a contract to supply Carnival with more than four thousand rabbits a month...and Co-Op officials say the cruise line wants even more. Even so, Alabama rabbit growers say they're having a hard time keeping up with the growing market for their product.